25th ID Soldier wins Army Music Soldier of the Year

1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Maj. Gen. Charles A. Flynn, 25th Infantry Division Commanding General, pins the Army Commendation Medal on Spc. Michael Cook, 25th ID Band. Cook was recently named the Army Music Soldier of the Year over all of the Soldiers in the 29 active Army bands. (U.S. Army photo by Staff. Sgt. Sean Everette, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Sean Everette (25th ID))VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Spc. Michael Cook (middle), 25th Infantry Division Band, stands with his wife Erica (right) and Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn (left), 25th ID Commanding General, after he was presented with the Army Commendation Medal and Arrowhead Trophy in recognition of his being named Soldier of the Year for Army Music. (U.S. Army photo by Staff. Sgt. Sean Everette) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Sean Everette (25th ID))VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –Spc. Michael Cook, 25th Infantry Band, addresses the gathered crowd after being presented the Army Commendation Medal and Arrowhead Trophy in recognition of being named the Army Music Soldier of the Year. Cook was chosen from amongst Soldiers from 29 active Army bands. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Everette) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Sean Everette (25th ID))VIEW ORIGINAL

Schofield Barracks -- Spc. Michael Cook, a musician from the 25th Infantry Division Band, was named Soldier of the Year for all Army musicians. Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, the 25th Infantry Division Commanding General, presented him an Army Commendation medal and Arrowhead Trophy in recognition of his accomplishment during a ceremony on Weyand Field here Aug. 25.

Cook was selected by the Command Sergeant Major of Army Music and Commandant of Army Music's Non-Commissioned Officer Academy from amongst the Soldier representatives of 29 active Army bands. Each band is allowed to nominate one Soldier from their unit. He was nominated by his command because of his devotion to duty and accomplishments since becoming a member of the 25th ID band.

"Spc. Cook encompasses the total package of the Warrior-Artist concept," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonothan Ward, 25th ID Band commander. "His musical prowess and education, personality and drive, and dedication to Army life and ideals made him stand out ahead of his peers."

Ward also said that this award shows that Cook is a prime example of the creative spirit that the Army Music Program expects of its leaders and Soldiers.

"It is an honor for one of our own here at Schofield Barracks to be selected for such a prestigious title," Ward said. "It truly shows Cook's impeccable character."

Cook has only been in the Army 23-months and was selected for the award in May.